Occupation · SOC 51-9023
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
Median wage
$47,680
$35,000–$67,570
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
100,840
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlTime ManagementReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisMonitoring
Knowledge areas
Production and Processing
Technology & tools
Electronic mail softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareOperating system software
Representative tasks
Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.Read work orders to determine production specifications or information.Observe production or monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Work orders and production specifications — read and interpret under direct supervision on the plant floor to set up a blending run.Weights and measurements of raw materials — record using scales and measuring tools following established procedures in a production area.Mixing and blending machines — identify controls and safety features with guidance from a lead operator before starting a shift.Ingredients and materials — load into hoppers or feed systems according to a formula card under close supervisor direction.Production equipment operation — monitor gauges and indicator lights during a supervised blending cycle to detect obvious faults.Mixed or blended products — inspect visually and by hand against basic quality standards with a trainer present on the line.Mixing cycles — start and stop machines at designated time intervals following written batch instructions in a food or chemical plant.Personal protective equipment and lockout procedures — apply correctly before performing any hands-on equipment task in accordance with site safety rules.Ingredient dyes or compounds — measure and add to batches using provided formulas under direct instruction in a supervised production environment.Basic maintenance findings such as leaks or unusual sounds — report to a lead operator during routine equipment observation on the production floor.
developing
Work orders and batch records — interpret independently to determine correct ingredient ratios and machine settings for a standard production run.Blending and mixing machines — operate and tend with limited oversight across a range of materials including spices, chemicals, or feed products.Material weights and volumes — verify against specifications using calibrated scales and meters, adjusting quantities when minor deviations occur on the line.Pump valves and transfer systems — open and activate at end of a mixing cycle to move completed batches to storage or downstream processing.Production quality during a blend — monitor continuously for color, texture, and consistency changes, flagging off-spec batches before they advance.Formula compounds and dye concentrations — mix according to written recipes with routine accuracy in a mid-volume manufacturing environment.Minor equipment issues such as clogged lines or sensor errors — troubleshoot and correct using standard repair procedures during a production shift.Batch timing and sequencing — manage across multiple machines to meet daily output targets in a moderate-paced blending operation.Equipment maintenance logs and ERP production records — update using spreadsheet or database software to support accurate inventory and scheduling.Ingredient conformance — examine batches visually and physically against established quality standards, escalating non-conforming material through proper channels.
proficient
Complex production schedules involving multiple blends or formulas — execute autonomously, adjusting machine parameters to meet varying specifications in a high-volume plant.Non-routine quality defects in mixed or blended products — diagnose root cause and apply corrective adjustments without supervisor intervention on the production floor.Ingredient compounds and specialty dyes — process according to precise formulas for sensitive applications such as explosive ingredients or pharmaceutical blends.Full range of mixing and blending equipment — operate, calibrate, and maintain across shifts, ensuring continuous safe and efficient production output.Critical thinking in batch analysis — evaluate sensor data, visual inspection results, and weight records together to make sound accept or reject decisions.Equipment breakdowns during active production — troubleshoot systematically, perform repair tasks, and minimize unplanned downtime in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Cross-functional coordination with quality control and logistics teams — communicate batch status, transfer timing, and yield results to keep the production chain on schedule.ERP and database systems — query and input production data to support accurate traceability, compliance reporting, and material usage tracking across the facility.New operators and trainees — guide through machine operation procedures and quality inspection methods during on-the-job learning in the blending area.Safety and operational risks across the production line — identify proactively and take corrective action to maintain a compliant and hazard-free work environment.
advanced
Blending and mixing operation standards — develop and update to reflect best practices, regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement findings across the production department.Workforce skill development plans for machine operators — design and implement, ensuring team members at all levels progress from emerging competency to proficiency.Formula and process parameters for new product lines — evaluate and validate collaboratively with engineering and R&D teams before full-scale production launch.Department-wide production performance metrics — analyze using ERP and quality data to identify trends, reduce waste, and increase throughput across multiple blending lines.Equipment procurement and upgrade decisions — provide technical input and justification to plant management based on operational experience and long-term capacity planning.Cross-departmental safety programs for mixing and blending operations — lead development and enforcement, establishing protocols that protect workers and meet regulatory standards.Quality control analysis frameworks — establish and refine for the blending operation, defining inspection criteria, sampling plans, and corrective action escalation paths.Budget and resource allocation for the blending department — advise supervisors and plant leadership, balancing material costs, labor efficiency, and maintenance investment.Production scheduling conflicts and supply chain disruptions — resolve at an organizational level by coordinating with procurement, logistics, and operations leadership in real time.Institutional knowledge of formulas, machine capabilities, and operational history — document and transfer systematically to preserve continuity and support facility-wide process improvement initiatives.
Also known as
351 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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